Red Cross support for visa holders may be available to some migrants who are currently in Australia. The Government has announced that Temporary Visa holders who cannot access Centrelink, Medicare or similar services may be eligible for funding from the Red Cross if they:
- Are in Australia on a Temporary Visa;
- Are in urgent financial hardship;
- Have no income, savings or other financial support (including from family overseas).
Red Cross support for visa holders
Red Cross support for visa holders will include food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs. Arrangements are currently being finalised and eligible visa holders are encouraged to contact the Red Cross.
Provisions for Temporary Skilled Visa Holders
As mentioned in our previous communications, Temporary Skilled Visa Holders in Australia may be able to access Government provisions if their work has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
This includes employees on a Subclass 457 Visa, as well as those on a Subclass 482 TSS Visa.
Temporary Skilled Visa holders that have been stood down but not laid off may be able to:
- Maintain their visa validity;
- Have working hours reduced without this being considered a breach of business sponsorship obligations;
- Access up to $10,000 of their superannuation for this financial year;
- Have their visa extended by the business if eligible, as per normal circumstances.
Temporary Skilled Visa holders that have been laid off due to the COVID-19 crisis will be expected to leave the country unless they are able to find a new sponsor within 60 days, as per the usual requirements.
Should a 4-year Temporary Skilled Visa holder be re-employed, their time already spent in Australia prior to the COVID-19 pandemic will count towards their Permanent Residence skilled work experience requirements.
You can read about other provisions available to Temporary Visa holders here.
Red Cross support for visa holders
We hope this information regarding Red Cross support for visa holders is helpful to you at this uncertain and unchartered time.
If you have any visa or migration concerns, please get in touch – particularly if your visa is expiring in coming months and you would like to understand your visa options to stay in Australia.
Please do not hesitate to contact our team of Registered Migration Agents at [email protected] or +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858).
Source:
Interstaff Migration Agents
Department of Home Affairs
Migration Institute of Australia